Newcastle United player ratings vs Southampton as Alexander Isak fantastic again but 9/10 star was even better

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Newcastle United got back to winning ways against Southampton but the game didn’t come without its scares.

Defeats have become a rarity for Newcastle United in recent months but they suffered a stinging 4-1 loss to Bournemouth at St. James’ Park last weekend in a violent reality check.

It looked like the defeat may have rocked Eddie Howe’s side’s confidence when they went behind to Premier League whipping boys Southampton early on Saturday, Jan Bednarek heading in after 10 minutes.

But Newcastle’s heads didn’t drop and it wasn’t long until they were back in front, with Alexander Isak at the double to turn things around.

The game was wrapped up just after the break when Sandro Tonali won the ball back and continued his run to be played through on goal and coolly slot home.

Southampton had a late goal disallowed for off-side to avoid any nervous closing stages as Newcastle got themselves back amongst the points.

Here’s how the players rated.

Martin Dubravka – 7

Nothing he could have done about the opening goal, which was powerfully headed past him at close range, but otherwise had few saves to make and commanded his box assuredly as Nick Pope watched on from the bench.

Tino Livramento – 6

Didn’t even challenge Bednarek as he leapt for his goal in another display of his defensive fragility at times but settled afterwards for another wise steady game.

Fabian Schar – 7

Had brought more balance to the side until the 83rd minute when he bizarrely let a high go and Southampton raced through to score. Remarkably fortunate it was given as off-side.

Dan Burn – 6.5

Dragged out of position and put on his backside by Kyle Walker-Peters leading to the goal in a rare mistake. Recovered to help restrict Southampton to very little afterwards but might have been responsible for Schar leaving the ball if it was hit shout that made the defender leave the ball.

Lewis Hall – 7

A solid if unspectacular game with the full-back not involved too much but was unlucky when one jinking run didn’t result in a penalty/

Bruno Guimaraes – 8

Continues to flourish in a more advanced role where his intricate passing can be utilised, it was his through ball to Isak that created the penalty and he was constantly at the heart of Newcastle’s attacks.

Sandro Tonali – 9

Once again a driving force behind Newcastle getting back into the game, with his energy, battling and positive forward passing in the middle allowing his side to take control.

His game couldn’t have been summed up better than with his brilliant goal, a move which he started by intercepting the ball and playing a good pass before following his run and being on hand to confidentially finish.

Joelinton – 7.5

Hit the post on the turn with a quality effort and bustled around the pitch but, for the second week running, got away with a horrible challenge that could have seen him sent off. Strong pressing throughout and had a goal cleared off the line.

Jacob Murphy – 8

After a flat performance last week, Jacob Murphy was back to his lively best and was a constant threat out on the right flank. However, it was through the middle that he picked up an assist with a sublime through ball to Isak for his second.

Hit the post with a great effort after cutting inside, too.

Alexander Isak – 9

Alexander Isak’s scoring run came to an end last weekend and he looked very annoyed about it. The ruthless striker found the back of the net with his first two chances, a penalty and a clinical side-foot finish, and clearly wanted a hat-trick.

He had to settle for just the brace but his link-up play was again excellent.

Anthony Gordon – 7.5

Didn’t get on the ball to run his full-back ragged too often but was almost impossible to challenge in the occasional moments he did. Once again made a vital contribution, though, with a wonderful first-time pass to unleash Tonali in on goal.

Substitutes

Joe Willock – 6

Played some nice passes in an advanced role.

Lewis Miley – 6

Got some more needed minutes under his belt and looked sharp.

Miguel Almiron – 6

Brought on late in the game with his future up in the air and came close to making the fans very happy by scoring after a slaloming run.

Sean Longstaff – N/A

Came on in added time.